The 2021-22 season began as a nightmare for Barcelona and it took time forXavi Hernandezto change things. The poor start to the campaign under Ronald Koeman took a toll on the team, as its weak Champions League performances eventually proved costly.
Xavi couldnât steer the ship on time before the competitionâsknockout stage and Barcelona finished third in Group E, one point shy of Benfica, following a humilliating defeat to Bayern Munich in the final matchday.
Therefore, the Catalans were shockinglydropped to the UEFA Europa League.Barcelona have previously played in this competition 10 times. Here, check out how Barcelona have done in this tournament so far.
When was the last time Barcelona played in the Europa League before the 2021-22?
Carles Puyol of Barcelona (left) against Henrik Larsson of Celtic during the 2003-04 UEFA Cup. (Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Barcelona have clearlygot used to playing in the continentâs most prestigious tournament but they had played in Europeâs secondcompetition as well. However, we had to wait more than a decade to see that happen again.
Before the 2021-22, Barcelona have last played in the Europa League during the 2003-04 season, when the tournament was still called UEFA Cup anddidnât include a group stage. That time, Barcelona were knocked out in the Round of 16 at the hands of Celtic. That has been the last time they played in aEuropean cup that wasnât the Champions League.
When was the last time Barcelona were knocked out in the Champions League group stage before 2021-22?
The 2003-04 season saw Barca play Europa League soccer for the last time before this season but they didnât dropfrom the Champions League on that occasion. Los Cules have directly qualified to the UEFA Cupby finishing sixth in the2002-03La Liga.
The lasttime Barcelona were eliminated in the Champions League group stage before 2021-22was in the 2000-01 season. The Spanish giants finished third in Group H with 8 pointsbehind AC Milan (11) andLeeds United (9).
Have Barcelona ever won the Europa League?
Following their Champions League group stage exit in the 2000-01 campaign,Barcelona reached the Europa Leagueâs semifinals, which remainstheir best result in the competition. Barcelona have never won the Europa League so far.
Even though they won the Champions League on five occasions, El Blaugrana have also had to settle with Europa League soccer many times. Barcelona have played 79UEL games. They won 40times, drew in other 18matches, and lost in 21 duels. Afterbeingrelegated to the Europa League in the currentseason, Xaviâs boys have the chance to bring this trophyhome for the first time.
